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Spotted: Jeep Scrambler

Jeep® has been teasing consumers with their Wrangler-inspired pickup for some time now, with heavily-camouflaged prototypes making their debut in spy photos in the summer of 2016. As we inch closer to the new model year, more and more spy photographers are capturing prototypes out on test runs. Case in point, a spy photographer recently caught a pair of JL-generation Wrangler-inspired pickup trucks disguised while on the road – one of them with a set of very peculiar tires that possibly hint at a pickup with off-road capabilities.

One of the prototypes spotted was rolling on some hefty tires – a set of Falken Wildpeak M/T tires that measure out to a rough 33-inches, the same size tires as the current Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Industry experts are giddy with excitement because they suspect the prototype spotted is going to be the Rubicon variant of this pickup, what a surprise! Although the size of the tires is similar to the Rubicon, these type of Falken tires have never been used on a factory Jeep vehicle. Common sense indicates that the pickup requires a different load rating; thus this is why Jeep is testing these tires – at the same time Jeep could merely be experimenting – the public won’t know until Jeep makes the official introduction.

Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires were spotted on the other prototype and appear to be geared towards a street-oriented variant of the pickup trucks. The tires in this size are the optional tires currently available on the Wrangler Sahara trim. Thus, industry experts believe that the same luxury-oriented design will be available on the pickup truck as well. Another design easily recognized by these photographers? The split removable hardtop that’s currently featured on the two- and four-door Wrangler vehicles, commonly referred to as the freedom panels. Photographs clearly show the L-shaped latch system that attaches the freedom panels to the roof of the cabin. See for yourself:

While “Wrangler-inspired pickup” is an accurate description for this vehicle, Jeep enthusiasts are convinced that the brand will revive the “Scrambler” moniker for this model. The last time the Scrambler name graced any Jeep vehicle was on a two-door civilian Jeep pickup produced from 1981 to 1985. With a name that nods to the past while providing the best features of the future, this Jeep vehicle is sure to impress no matter its name. No official announcements have been made yet, but consumers can expect the secretive wrap to come off any minute now. Industry experts hope the unveiling takes place at the Los Angeles Auto Show this following November, if not they expect the “Scrambler” to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit early 2019. Regardless, this Jeep pickup truck is on track to be on the assembly line next spring – these production-spec models making its arrival imminent.